News Andy Burnham MP for Leigh

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11/11/2009 - Fit Crew's Just Fab!

Andy Burnham MP has thrown his support behind a new fitness programme specifically aimed at young people.

Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust is pioneering a new children’s fitness programme in Wigan and Leigh to tackle obesity in young people and encourage youngsters to live healthier lives.

On Saturday the Leigh MP praised the scheme at a special launch at Leigh Indoor Sports Centre. He said, “This borough has embraced the idea of creating a fitter country."

“It is leading the way and setting the exemplar for the rest to follow. This scheme is another fine example."

“For me, as a dad with a boy and two girls, it’s refreshing to be able to take them somewhere they can get active together. A place where both boys and girls can enjoy themselves and get fit.”

Health and Fitness Manager for Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, Emma MacSymons said, “This is about bringing fun into children’s fitness, tackling childhood obesity by encouraging children and young people to adopt a healthy lifestyle."

“Fit Crew is an original health-related fitness programme for children and young people that comprises four fantastic programmes based on fun, action and skill acquisition.”

Aimed at five to 16-year-olds Fit Crew comprises of Team Power, Team Combat, Team Jam, Team Energy.

* Team Energy is a programme designed for children aged five to 10 focusing on cardiovascular need, balance, ball skills, agility and teamwork.

* Team Power uses the revolutionary ‘gymstick’ to help 11 to 16-year-olds strengthen, tone and improve all-round fitness.

* Team Combat is a martial fitness programme for children and teenagers combining both the discipline and tradition of martial arts with fun and fitness.

* Team Jam is a funky dance based programme that uses the latest sounds and hottest moves of street dance, hip hop, cheerleading, aerobic and salsa routines to get youngsters moving and jumping.

Young people aged 14-16-years-old will also be able to access Teen Gym –supervised gym sessions as part of the Fit Crew programme.

Emma added, “As a leisure provider we recognise the importance of a future full of healthy, strong and active children."

“In the ongoing battle against childhood obesity we have worked hard to create a concept that encourages young people to enjoy exercise and physical activity while learning to incorporate it into their daily lives.”

Fit Crew starts from 9th November 2009. For more information on timetables and cost call Howe Bridge Sports Centre (01942 870 403), Leigh Indoor Sports Centre (01942 487 800) and Robin Park Arena (01942 828 550).